In Our Chiefs and Elders, David Neel presents us with a magnificent series of images of Native chiefs and elders which sharply contrasts with earlier depictions of Natives as “noble savages” or representatives of a “vanishing race.” Neel’s photographs of, and conversations with, his own people introduce us to individuals who know who they are and whose comments on the present, coupled with their perspectives from the past, reveal a people with a rich and unique heritage.

David Neel's profile page

• Winner, Alcuin Citation for excellence in book design in Canada, Alcuin Society

David Neel is a British Columbia artist and photographer whose work has appeared in museums and galleries in the United States and Canada.

This is a book in which photos and words play off one another to create a fascinating and powerful portrait of 40 B.C. chiefs and elders.

The Province

...this book makes not only compelling reading, but also features some brilliant photos of those being interviewed. ... It is a set of stunning portraits, showing native people neither as “noble savages nor skid row drunks” as Neel describes the most common views. A powerful book.

The Nanaimo Times

Our Chiefs and Elders is a fine, gentle book with the power to change our perceptions. David Neel has a professional photographic background, tuned to depicting the persona of bank presidents and judges. Now, with humility and respect, he has opened his lens to the chiefs and elders of the west coast, showing the deep concerns and robust human energy of people who have much to share. This book changes perceptions and presents us with living, breathing role models – at a time when moral example is sorely needed. Read it, and be changed.

Victoria Times-Colonist